Membership Forum Luncheon- February 2022

In early 2020, after a nationwide search, the Linn-Benton Community College Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Dr. Lisa Avery as its seventh president. Since then, she has presided during the most unprecedented period in LBCC's history -- responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on student and community success that has pivoted to meet today's unique challenges, while charting a bold vision for the college's future.

Dr. Avery previously served as the president of Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus since 2015. At PCC, Dr. Avery was an advocate for career and medical programs, equitable student success, and increased student access, as well as a leading advocate for all community colleges in Oregon. Prior to PCC, Dr. Avery served as the District Vice Provost for Strategic Partnerships at the Community Colleges of Spokane. As the Vice Provost, Dr. Avery was responsible for advancing the college district’s strategic plan with key business, industry and foundation partners, as well as enhancing and promoting international exchange. Dr. Avery also previously served as a Professor in the School of Social Work and Human Services at Eastern Washington University.

A first-generation college graduate and native of LaPorte, Indiana, Dr. Avery obtained her doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and her bachelor’s degree in research psychology from Ball State University. In addition to her many national appointments including the American Association of Community Colleges Board, Dr. Avery is proud to serve her local community as a volunteer -- including the Albany Community Leadership Roundtable, the Greater Albany Rotary Club, the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis Board, AMEDC, the South Valley/Mid Coast Regional Solutions Advisory Committee, and more. Dr. Avery is also a strong supporter of the LBCC Foundation, and leads a new annual biking event fundraiser, “Pedal with the President”. She and her family live in Millersburg, and love being in the Mid-Valley.